Loneliness is a complex concept that varies greatly from person to person. Surprisingly, researchers have found that those who live alone are not necessarily lonely. On the other hand, those who are connected to a close-knit family and friend group may still feel disconnected. This leaves scientists wondering what causes loneliness and what is the impact it has on our lives. And maybe most importantly, what can we do to address it? We know chronic loneliness is detrimental to our physical and mental health. This especially affects seniors. Therefore, addressing loneliness in older adults is crucial.
This AARP article explains this major health issue. Genomics researcher Steve Cole was shocked when he looked under a microscope one day. There, he saw the white blood cells of a handful of lonely men and women. These white blood cells appeared to be in a state of “high alert”, as if they were fighting a bacterial infection. Yet the individuals who gave the samples were very physically healthy. But they were suffering from loneliness.
Loneliness is a universal human experience that we’ve all probably felt at times. As humans, we have an innate need to be embedded, connected, and integrated within a social network. There are consequences when this need is not satisfied. Chronic loneliness makes us more susceptible to disease and illness. In addition, it’s believed that the brain treats loneliness as a threat. This causes inflammation throughout the body, as we saw in the example of the white blood cells.
However, you’re not doomed if you are lonely. Since there is no single cause of being lonely, the treatment will likely vary greatly as well. Similar to the issue of obesity, it could result from nutrition, genetics, environment, and so many other factors. In addition, loneliness carries a stigma with it. It may imply that one is a social failure, which is untrue.
Currently, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the method used to counteract the effects. It can help people identify what is keeping them from connecting with others. Researchers are even looking at certain medications to help break the lonely cycle. Loneliness is ultimately the discrepancy between what you want in your relationships in life, and what you actually have. Working to bridge that gap will be the most effective way to treat loneliness and improve health.